Ganeta-Meru - Revision history

Gronk: /* Geography */

2025-12-26T16:06:36Z

Geography

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:06, 26 December 2025
Line 18:		Line 18:
	Though they live distant from the Wounds, the Ganeta-Meru are still island dwellers, with all their permanent communities located on the [[Island Where The Mountains Transfix The Sky]], a large island roughly 750 miles from the Stormlands. The island is roughly 270 miles across at its widest and 160 at its narrowest.		Though they live distant from the Wounds, the Ganeta-Meru are still island dwellers, with all their permanent communities located on the [[Island Where The Mountains Transfix The Sky]], a large island roughly 750 miles from the Stormlands. The island is roughly 270 miles across at its widest and 160 at its narrowest.

	The titular mountains in the name of the island are the [[Cradle of the Clouds]], whose peaks rise ~~sharp~~ and unnaturally high above the surrounding landscape. Covered in snow for much of the year, traversal through the mountains is exceptionally difficult, though the Ganeta-Meru rarely attempt such journeys regardless due to religious reasons.		The titular mountains in the name of the island are the [[Cradle of the Clouds]], whose peaks rise sharply and unnaturally high above the surrounding landscape. Covered in snow for much of the year, traversal through the mountains is exceptionally difficult, though the Ganeta-Meru rarely attempt such journeys regardless due to religious reasons.

	The climate of the Island Where The Mountains Transfix The Sky is broadly temperate, though this can differ greatly by elevation and proximity to the surrounding [[Na-Gaesa Ocean]]. Forests cover much of the lower reaches from the foothills to the beaches and cliffs, with a notable exception of the southeast closer to [[Crushed Point]], where the landscape of miles of exposed rock renders it difficult for plants to grow. Sea life and nirds, including many large flightless ones, are common across and around the island, but there are few other large animals. Magical creatures are a different matter, however, with the giant witch-serpents of the coasts particularly feared.		The climate of the Island Where The Mountains Transfix The Sky is broadly temperate, though this can differ greatly by elevation and proximity to the surrounding [[Na-Gaesa Ocean]]. Forests cover much of the lower reaches from the foothills to the beaches and cliffs, with a notable exception of the southeast closer to [[Crushed Point]], where the landscape of miles of exposed rock renders it difficult for plants to grow. Sea life and nirds, including many large flightless ones, are common across and around the island, but there are few other large animals. Magical creatures are a different matter, however, with the giant witch-serpents of the coasts particularly feared.

Gronk: /* Religion */

2025-12-26T03:05:36Z

Religion

← Older revision		Revision as of 03:05, 26 December 2025
Line 31:		Line 31:

	=== Religion ===		=== Religion ===
	Many of the Ganeta-Meru came to the island before the [[Rashareka\|Rasharekan Empire]] formed, and therefore while worship of the [[Beating Heart]] is present it is not their dominant faith. Instead their religious life centers around an animistic reverence for the Cradle of the Clouds, the immense mountains in the center of their island home. Rarely entered except for ritual purposes, the mountains are said to have been the first things to exist in the world, after which they brought the clouds into being at their highest peaks. The clouds themselves brought rain, filling the ocean where they touched stone and turning into plants and animals ~~when~~ they struck dirt. The mountains, then, are seen as benevolent nature spirits that allow the Ganeta-Meru to prosper, and are therefore afforded the utmost respect. Ganeta-Meru monarchs regularly speak to the Cradle at shrines near the rivers that run from them, especially in times of crisis - their input, through rarely given, is always the surest route to success.		Many of the Ganeta-Meru came to the island before the [[Rashareka\|Rasharekan Empire]] formed, and therefore while worship of the [[Beating Heart]] is present it is not their dominant faith. Instead their religious life centers around an animistic reverence for the Cradle of the Clouds, the immense mountains in the center of their island home. Rarely entered except for ritual purposes, the mountains are said to have been the first things to exist in the world, after which they brought the clouds into being at their highest peaks. The clouds themselves brought rain, filling the ocean where they touched stone and turning into plants and animals where they struck dirt. The mountains, then, are seen as benevolent nature spirits that allow the Ganeta-Meru to prosper, and are therefore afforded the utmost respect. Ganeta-Meru monarchs regularly speak to the Cradle at shrines near the rivers that run from them, especially in times of crisis - their input, through rarely given, is always the surest route to success.

	=== Society ===		=== Society ===

Gronk: /* Relation with other Fanakara */

2025-12-26T03:04:56Z

Relation with other Fanakara

← Older revision		Revision as of 03:04, 26 December 2025
Line 28:		Line 28:

	=== Relation with other Fanakara ===		=== Relation with other Fanakara ===
	Distance and time ~~has~~ caused the Ganeta-Meru to diverge significantly from the cultural practices of the Fanakara of the Wounds. While much remains - their maritime ways, many aspects of their art, and their avoiding of writing and preference for oral knowledge, for example - the Ganeta-Meru are quite distinct, and some see themselves as no more alike to the people of the Wounds than they are to those who dwell on the mainland of the Stormlands.		Distance and time have caused the Ganeta-Meru to diverge significantly from the cultural practices of the Fanakara of the Wounds. While much remains - their maritime ways, many aspects of their art, and their avoiding of writing and preference for oral knowledge, for example - the Ganeta-Meru are quite distinct, and some see themselves as no more alike to the people of the Wounds than they are to those who dwell on the mainland of the Stormlands.

	=== Religion ===		=== Religion ===

Gronk at 02:02, 9 December 2024

2024-12-09T02:02:37Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 02:02, 9 December 2024
Line 11:		Line 11:
	\|religions = [[Beating Heart]]; mountain worship		\|religions = [[Beating Heart]]; mountain worship
	}}		}}
	The '''Ganeta-Meru''' are the southernmost of the [[Fanakara]] and the only who live away from the [[Wounds]]. ~~Pacifistic traders~~ who connect the [[Stormlands]] with the broader world, Ganeta-Meru merchants are the first to carry most of the [[aeon stone\|aeon stones]] that find their way elsewhere on [[Kishar]] away from the shores of the Stormlands.		The '''Ganeta-Meru''' are the southernmost of the [[Fanakara]] and the only who live away from the [[Wounds]]. Traders who connect the [[Stormlands]] with the broader world, Ganeta-Meru merchants are the first to carry most of the [[aeon stone\|aeon stones]] that find their way elsewhere on [[Kishar]] away from the shores of the Stormlands.

	== Geography ==		== Geography ==
Line 20:		Line 20:
	The titular mountains in the name of the island are the [[Cradle of the Clouds]], whose peaks rise sharp and unnaturally high above the surrounding landscape. Covered in snow for much of the year, traversal through the mountains is exceptionally difficult, though the Ganeta-Meru rarely attempt such journeys regardless due to religious reasons.		The titular mountains in the name of the island are the [[Cradle of the Clouds]], whose peaks rise sharp and unnaturally high above the surrounding landscape. Covered in snow for much of the year, traversal through the mountains is exceptionally difficult, though the Ganeta-Meru rarely attempt such journeys regardless due to religious reasons.

	The climate of the Island Where The Mountains Transfix The Sky is broadly temperate, though this can differ greatly by elevation and proximity to the surrounding [[Na-Gaesa Ocean]]. Forests cover much of the lower reaches from the foothills to the beaches and cliffs, with a notable exception of the southeast closer to [[Crushed Point]], where the landscape of miles of exposed rock renders it difficult for plants to grow. ~~Birds~~, including many large flightless ones, ~~and sea life~~ are common across and around the island, but there are few other large animals. Magical creatures are a different matter, however, with the giant witch-serpents of the coasts particularly feared.		The climate of the Island Where The Mountains Transfix The Sky is broadly temperate, though this can differ greatly by elevation and proximity to the surrounding [[Na-Gaesa Ocean]]. Forests cover much of the lower reaches from the foothills to the beaches and cliffs, with a notable exception of the southeast closer to [[Crushed Point]], where the landscape of miles of exposed rock renders it difficult for plants to grow. Sea life and nirds, including many large flightless ones, are common across and around the island, but there are few other large animals. Magical creatures are a different matter, however, with the giant witch-serpents of the coasts particularly feared.

	== Demographics ==		== Demographics ==
Line 26:		Line 26:

	== Culture ==		== Culture ==

			=== Relation with other Fanakara ===
			Distance and time has caused the Ganeta-Meru to diverge significantly from the cultural practices of the Fanakara of the Wounds. While much remains - their maritime ways, many aspects of their art, and their avoiding of writing and preference for oral knowledge, for example - the Ganeta-Meru are quite distinct, and some see themselves as no more alike to the people of the Wounds than they are to those who dwell on the mainland of the Stormlands.

	=== Religion ===		=== Religion ===
	Many of the Ganeta-Meru came to the island before the [[Rashareka\|Rasharekan Empire]] formed, and therefore while worship of the [[Beating Heart]] is present it is not their dominant faith. Instead their religious life centers around an animistic reverence for the Cradle of the Clouds, the immense mountains in the center of their island home. Rarely entered except for ritual purposes, the mountains are said to have been the first things to exist in the world, after which they brought the clouds into ~~existence~~ at their highest peaks. The clouds themselves brought rain, filling the ocean where they touched stone and turning into plants and animals when they struck dirt. The mountains, then, are seen as benevolent nature spirits that allow the Ganeta-Meru to prosper, and are therefore afforded the utmost respect. Ganeta-Meru monarchs regularly speak to the Cradle at shrines near the rivers ~~the~~ run from them, especially in times of crisis - their input, through rarely given, is always the surest route to success.		Many of the Ganeta-Meru came to the island before the [[Rashareka\|Rasharekan Empire]] formed, and therefore while worship of the [[Beating Heart]] is present it is not their dominant faith. Instead their religious life centers around an animistic reverence for the Cradle of the Clouds, the immense mountains in the center of their island home. Rarely entered except for ritual purposes, the mountains are said to have been the first things to exist in the world, after which they brought the clouds into being at their highest peaks. The clouds themselves brought rain, filling the ocean where they touched stone and turning into plants and animals when they struck dirt. The mountains, then, are seen as benevolent nature spirits that allow the Ganeta-Meru to prosper, and are therefore afforded the utmost respect. Ganeta-Meru monarchs regularly speak to the Cradle at shrines near the rivers that run from them, especially in times of crisis - their input, through rarely given, is always the surest route to success.

	=== Society ===		=== Society ===
	As descendants of multiple Fanakaran tribes that arrived on the Island Where The Mountains Transfix The Sky over the millennia in waves, Ganeta-Meru culture and society is a blend of many influences. Old tribal lines have long since fallen away, however, and nearly all identify as Ganeta-~~Mery~~ first and only. The powerful families of each community are some of the few relics that remain of the previous social order, as these are often, though not always, descended from the tribal leaders of the past.		As descendants of multiple Fanakaran tribes that arrived on the Island Where The Mountains Transfix The Sky over the millennia in waves, Ganeta-Meru culture and society is a blend of many influences. Old tribal lines have long since fallen away, however, and nearly all identify as Ganeta-Meru first and only. The powerful families of each community are some of the few relics that remain of the previous social order, as these are often, though not always, descended from the tribal leaders of the past.

	Learning and education is valued very highly by the Ganeta-Meru. Often the most prominent and central buildings in their villages and cities are schools and other institutions of learning. In these they train young generations to be warrior-diplomats - orators teach through leading long debates, while martial and magical instruction is given by fighters who have gained experience in the perils of the sea and far-away lands. Through these schools the Ganeta-Meru seek to ~~impact~~ all skills necessary to leave their island home, as many do for at least part of their lives as merchants and couriers.		Learning and education is valued very highly by the Ganeta-Meru. Often the most prominent and central buildings in their villages and cities are schools and other institutions of learning. In these they train young generations to be warrior-diplomats - orators teach through leading long debates, while martial and magical instruction is given by fighters who have gained experience in the perils of the sea and far-away lands. Through these schools the Ganeta-Meru seek to impart all skills necessary to leave their island home, as many do for at least part of their lives as merchants and couriers.

	A way with words and a trained mind to remember them are the greatest virtues to the Ganeta-Meru, critical to success both abroad and at home.		A way with words and a trained mind to remember them are the greatest virtues to the Ganeta-Meru, critical to success both abroad and at home. As with other Fanakaran peoples the Ganeta-Meru rarely engage in writing but instead rely on memorizing their stories, histories, and other knowledge.

	Though they keep a distance from the ceaseless strife that pervades the Stormlands, the Ganeta-Meru make regular and frequent trips to its shores to engage in trade. There they acquire valuable items like aeon stones and firearms, as well as resources less unique to the Stormlands, trading them for other goods they pick up in the Wounds. Ganeta-Meru merchants have even been known to reach the [[Three Great Seas]] and the [[Spine]], though this is exceptionally uncommon, as they typically keep to around a 1500-2000 mile radius of their island. They are careful to cultivate productive relationships with the various disparate nations and peoples of the Stormlands, even seeking, and general receiving, guarantees of safety from warring factions. The majority of Ganeta-Meru traders travel to [[Bohaar]], [[Vukararn]], and various outposts on the edge of the [[Storm-Path]] where they engage in commerce with [[Trailblazer Republics\|~~trailblazer~~]] and agents of the [[Oasis]] states, but some head as far south as [[Akatzar]] and north as [[Apanvar]].		Though they keep a distance from the ceaseless strife that pervades the Stormlands, the Ganeta-Meru make regular and frequent trips to its shores to engage in trade. There they acquire valuable items like aeon stones and firearms, as well as resources less unique to the Stormlands, trading them for other goods they pick up in the Wounds. Ganeta-Meru merchants have even been known to reach the [[Three Great Seas]] and the [[Spine]], though this is exceptionally uncommon, as they typically keep to around a 1500-2000 mile radius of their island. They are careful to cultivate productive relationships with the various disparate nations and peoples of the Stormlands, even seeking, and general receiving, guarantees of safety from warring factions. The majority of Ganeta-Meru traders travel to [[Bohaar]], [[Vukararn]], and various outposts on the edge of the [[Storm-Path]] where they engage in commerce with [[Trailblazer Republics\|trailblazers]] and agents of the [[Oasis]] states, but some head as far south as [[Akatzar]] and north as [[Apanvar]].

	=== Languages ===		=== Languages ===
Line 45:		Line 48:
	Ganeta-Meru architecture uses primarily stone and thatch. They prefer to dry-fit the stones in their walls as much as possible, shaping them to interlock tightly without the need for mortar. Within Ganeta-Meru villages and cities, buildings are always constructed for specific purposes, as not only are certain rituals required when they are erected but also their physical shapes must always match their aims, and not always in intuitive ways. A house where a family with elders dwells, for example, must always have six sides, a conical roof, and two hearths, while those where two newlyweds dwell is required to have four walls, a slanted roof, and a single hearth. As a result it is not possible for new inhabitants to simply move into an existing house without it being first torn down to the ground and rebuilt.		Ganeta-Meru architecture uses primarily stone and thatch. They prefer to dry-fit the stones in their walls as much as possible, shaping them to interlock tightly without the need for mortar. Within Ganeta-Meru villages and cities, buildings are always constructed for specific purposes, as not only are certain rituals required when they are erected but also their physical shapes must always match their aims, and not always in intuitive ways. A house where a family with elders dwells, for example, must always have six sides, a conical roof, and two hearths, while those where two newlyweds dwell is required to have four walls, a slanted roof, and a single hearth. As a result it is not possible for new inhabitants to simply move into an existing house without it being first torn down to the ground and rebuilt.

	Ganeta-Meru settlements dot the coast of the Island Where The Mountains Transfix The Sky. Their largest, and the only cities, are in the south of the island, but other prominent communities can be found around the northern and eastern coasts as well. There are no permanent Ganeta-Meru settlements outside the island, but in places where ~~the~~ frequently trade they often congregate in transient neighborhoods.		Ganeta-Meru settlements dot the coast of the Island Where The Mountains Transfix The Sky. Their largest, and the only cities, are in the south of the island, but other prominent communities can be found around the northern and eastern coasts as well. There are no permanent Ganeta-Meru settlements outside the island, but in places where they frequently trade they often congregate in transient neighborhoods.

	=== Seafaring ===		=== Seafaring ===
Line 53:		Line 56:

	=== Food and cuisine ===		=== Food and cuisine ===
	Despite their proximity to the sea, the ingredients used in Ganeta-Meru cuisine are largely terrestrial. Gourds and yams serve as staples, supplemented by hunted game, fruits, and other farmed crops. Oysters, mussels, and sea turtles account for most of the seafood consumed - fish are considered suitable only to be eaten while on the move over the ocean. Clay and stone ovens are used in the preparation of most food, though ~~most~~ meals prepared for ritual or celebratory purposes use earthen pit ovens instead.		Despite their proximity to the sea, the ingredients used in Ganeta-Meru cuisine are largely terrestrial. Gourds and yams serve as staples, supplemented by hunted game, fruits, and other farmed crops. Oysters, mussels, and sea turtles account for most of the seafood consumed - fish are considered suitable only to be eaten while on the move over the ocean. Clay and stone ovens are used in the preparation of most food, though meals prepared for ritual or celebratory purposes use earthen pit ovens instead.

			Even with their close ties to various peoples across the sea, Ganeta-Meru cuisine is remarkably conservative, rarely adopting new techniques or ingredients unless forced to due to a lack of availability of those which with they are more familiar.

	~~Despite their close ties to various peoples across~~ the ~~sea,~~ Ganeta-Meru ~~cuisine is remarkably conservative, rarely adopting new techniques or ingredients unless forced to due to a lack of availability of those which with they are more familiar~~.		=== Arts ===
			Like other Fanakara, tattooing is a common practice amongst the Ganeta-Meru.

	=== Names ===		=== Names ===
Line 61:		Line 67:

	== Government ==		== Government ==
	Very unified by Fanakaran standards, the Ganeta-Meru are ruled by an elective monarchy based in the capital of [[Kita Bay (city)\|Kita Bay]]. Upon the death or abdication of the previous king or queen, delegates from each major ~~settlement~~ on the Island Where The Mountains Transfix The Sky convene a summit to deliberate for two months, after which they choose a new candidate for the Obsidian Throne. Each community is then given the opportunity to vote to approve or reject this candidate. If the majority accept, then the new monarch ascends to the throne. Otherwise, the summit reconvenes and a new candidate is chosen. This repeats until a monarch is ratified, though in practice it is exceptionally rare for any candidate to be rejected.		Very unified by Fanakaran standards, the Ganeta-Meru are ruled by an elective monarchy based in the capital of [[Kita Bay (city)\|Kita Bay]]. Upon the death or abdication of the previous king or queen, delegates from each major settlements on the Island Where The Mountains Transfix The Sky convene a summit to deliberate for two months, after which they choose a new candidate for the Obsidian Throne. Each community is then given the opportunity to vote to approve or reject this candidate. If the majority accept, then the new monarch ascends to the throne. Otherwise, the summit reconvenes and a new candidate is chosen. This repeats until a monarch is ratified, though in practice it is exceptionally rare for any candidate to be rejected.

	Traditionally Ganeta-Meru monarchs rule for 27 years, enough time to celebrate three nine-year coronations, after which they abdicate.		Traditionally Ganeta-Meru monarchs rule for 27 years, enough time to celebrate three nine-year coronations, after which they abdicate.

	While formally the monarch enjoys absolute authority, in ~~reality~~ their role ~~is primarily as~~ a spiritual mediator and, in times of war, ~~the~~ commander of the Ganeta-Meru war-navy. Most day to day decisions and governance is instead undertaken by the local prominent families of each community.		While formally the monarch enjoys absolute authority, in practice they delegate much to their underlings, limiting their role to that of a legal adjudicator, spiritual mediator and, in times of war, commander of the Ganeta-Meru war-navy. Most day to day decisions and governance is instead undertaken by the local prominent families of each community.

	{{CitiesGanetaMeru}}		{{CitiesGanetaMeru}}

Gronk at 01:36, 9 December 2024

2024-12-09T01:36:14Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 01:36, 9 December 2024
Line 11:		Line 11:
	\|religions = [[Beating Heart]]; mountain worship		\|religions = [[Beating Heart]]; mountain worship
	}}		}}
	'''Ganeta-Meru''' are the southernmost of the [[Fanakara]] and the only who live away from the [[Wounds]]. Pacifistic traders who connect the [[Stormlands]] with the broader world, Ganeta-Meru merchants are the first to carry most of the [[aeon stone\|aeon stones]] that find their way elsewhere on [[Kishar]] away from the shores of the Stormlands.		The '''Ganeta-Meru''' are the southernmost of the [[Fanakara]] and the only who live away from the [[Wounds]]. Pacifistic traders who connect the [[Stormlands]] with the broader world, Ganeta-Meru merchants are the first to carry most of the [[aeon stone\|aeon stones]] that find their way elsewhere on [[Kishar]] away from the shores of the Stormlands.

	== Geography ==		== Geography ==

Gronk: /* Society */

2024-12-08T22:57:41Z

Society

← Older revision		Revision as of 22:57, 8 December 2024
Line 37:		Line 37:
	A way with words and a trained mind to remember them are the greatest virtues to the Ganeta-Meru, critical to success both abroad and at home.		A way with words and a trained mind to remember them are the greatest virtues to the Ganeta-Meru, critical to success both abroad and at home.

	Though they keep a distance from the ceaseless strife that pervades the Stormlands, the Ganeta-Meru make regular and frequent trips to its shores to engage in trade. There they acquire valuable items like aeon stones and firearms, as well as resources less unique to the Stormlands, trading them for other goods they pick up in the Wounds. Ganeta-Meru merchants have even been known to reach the [[Three Great Seas]] and the [[Spine]], though this is exceptionally uncommon, as they typically keep to around a 1500-2000 mile radius of their island. They are careful to cultivate productive relationships with the various disparate nations and peoples of the Stormlands, even seeking, and general receiving, guarantees of safety from warring factions.		Though they keep a distance from the ceaseless strife that pervades the Stormlands, the Ganeta-Meru make regular and frequent trips to its shores to engage in trade. There they acquire valuable items like aeon stones and firearms, as well as resources less unique to the Stormlands, trading them for other goods they pick up in the Wounds. Ganeta-Meru merchants have even been known to reach the [[Three Great Seas]] and the [[Spine]], though this is exceptionally uncommon, as they typically keep to around a 1500-2000 mile radius of their island. They are careful to cultivate productive relationships with the various disparate nations and peoples of the Stormlands, even seeking, and general receiving, guarantees of safety from warring factions. The majority of Ganeta-Meru traders travel to [[Bohaar]], [[Vukararn]], and various outposts on the edge of the [[Storm-Path]] where they engage in commerce with [[Trailblazer Republics\|trailblazer]] and agents of the [[Oasis]] states, but some head as far south as [[Akatzar]] and north as [[Apanvar]].

	=== Languages ===		=== Languages ===

Gronk: Created page with "{{NationInfobox |name = Ganeta-Meru |image = Symbol_Ganeta_Meru.svg |image_desc = Ganeta-Meru sagecoin |capital = Kita Bay |ruler = Queen Gala-Remani |government = Elective monarchy |demonym = Ganeta-Meru |adjective = Ganeta-Meru |languages = Ri-She; Sea-Speak; languages of the Stormlands |religions = Beating Heart; mountain worship }} '''Ganeta-Meru''' are the southernmost of the Fanakara and the only who live away from the ..."

2024-12-08T22:55:47Z

Created page with "{{NationInfobox |name = Ganeta-Meru |image = Symbol_Ganeta_Meru.svg |image_desc = Ganeta-Meru sagecoin |capital = Kita Bay |ruler = Queen Gala-Remani |government = Elective monarchy |demonym = Ganeta-Meru |adjective = Ganeta-Meru |languages = Ri-She; Sea-Speak; languages of the Stormlands |religions = Beating Heart; mountain worship }} '''Ganeta-Meru''' are the southernmost of the Fanakara and the only who live away from the ..."

New page

{{NationInfobox
|name = Ganeta-Meru
|image = Symbol_Ganeta_Meru.svg
|image_desc = Ganeta-Meru sagecoin
|capital = [[Kita Bay (city)|Kita Bay]]
|ruler = Queen [[Gala-Remani]]
|government = Elective monarchy
|demonym = Ganeta-Meru
|adjective = Ganeta-Meru
|languages = [[Ri-She]]; [[Sea-Speak]]; languages of the [[Stormlands]]
|religions = [[Beating Heart]]; mountain worship
}}
'''Ganeta-Meru''' are the southernmost of the [[Fanakara]] and the only who live away from the [[Wounds]]. Pacifistic traders who connect the [[Stormlands]] with the broader world, Ganeta-Meru merchants are the first to carry most of the [[aeon stone|aeon stones]] that find their way elsewhere on [[Kishar]] away from the shores of the Stormlands.

== Geography ==
{{SeeAlso|Island Where The Mountains Transfix The Sky}}

Though they live distant from the Wounds, the Ganeta-Meru are still island dwellers, with all their permanent communities located on the [[Island Where The Mountains Transfix The Sky]], a large island roughly 750 miles from the Stormlands. The island is roughly 270 miles across at its widest and 160 at its narrowest.

The titular mountains in the name of the island are the [[Cradle of the Clouds]], whose peaks rise sharp and unnaturally high above the surrounding landscape. Covered in snow for much of the year, traversal through the mountains is exceptionally difficult, though the Ganeta-Meru rarely attempt such journeys regardless due to religious reasons.

The climate of the Island Where The Mountains Transfix The Sky is broadly temperate, though this can differ greatly by elevation and proximity to the surrounding [[Na-Gaesa Ocean]]. Forests cover much of the lower reaches from the foothills to the beaches and cliffs, with a notable exception of the southeast closer to [[Crushed Point]], where the landscape of miles of exposed rock renders it difficult for plants to grow. Birds, including many large flightless ones, and sea life are common across and around the island, but there are few other large animals. Magical creatures are a different matter, however, with the giant witch-serpents of the coasts particularly feared.

== Demographics ==
The Ganeta-Meru are primarily [[human]], though they are joined by sizable numbers of [[gnome|gnomes]] and half-elves. Less common but still present within Ganeta-Meru communities are [[dwarf|dwarves]], mostly those from the [[Grievous Islands]] in the Wounds, [[tengu]], and hobgoblins from the Stormlands.

== Culture ==

=== Religion ===
Many of the Ganeta-Meru came to the island before the [[Rashareka|Rasharekan Empire]] formed, and therefore while worship of the [[Beating Heart]] is present it is not their dominant faith. Instead their religious life centers around an animistic reverence for the Cradle of the Clouds, the immense mountains in the center of their island home. Rarely entered except for ritual purposes, the mountains are said to have been the first things to exist in the world, after which they brought the clouds into existence at their highest peaks. The clouds themselves brought rain, filling the ocean where they touched stone and turning into plants and animals when they struck dirt. The mountains, then, are seen as benevolent nature spirits that allow the Ganeta-Meru to prosper, and are therefore afforded the utmost respect. Ganeta-Meru monarchs regularly speak to the Cradle at shrines near the rivers the run from them, especially in times of crisis - their input, through rarely given, is always the surest route to success.

=== Society ===
As descendants of multiple Fanakaran tribes that arrived on the Island Where The Mountains Transfix The Sky over the millennia in waves, Ganeta-Meru culture and society is a blend of many influences. Old tribal lines have long since fallen away, however, and nearly all identify as Ganeta-Mery first and only. The powerful families of each community are some of the few relics that remain of the previous social order, as these are often, though not always, descended from the tribal leaders of the past.

Learning and education is valued very highly by the Ganeta-Meru. Often the most prominent and central buildings in their villages and cities are schools and other institutions of learning. In these they train young generations to be warrior-diplomats - orators teach through leading long debates, while martial and magical instruction is given by fighters who have gained experience in the perils of the sea and far-away lands. Through these schools the Ganeta-Meru seek to impact all skills necessary to leave their island home, as many do for at least part of their lives as merchants and couriers.

A way with words and a trained mind to remember them are the greatest virtues to the Ganeta-Meru, critical to success both abroad and at home.

Though they keep a distance from the ceaseless strife that pervades the Stormlands, the Ganeta-Meru make regular and frequent trips to its shores to engage in trade. There they acquire valuable items like aeon stones and firearms, as well as resources less unique to the Stormlands, trading them for other goods they pick up in the Wounds. Ganeta-Meru merchants have even been known to reach the [[Three Great Seas]] and the [[Spine]], though this is exceptionally uncommon, as they typically keep to around a 1500-2000 mile radius of their island. They are careful to cultivate productive relationships with the various disparate nations and peoples of the Stormlands, even seeking, and general receiving, guarantees of safety from warring factions.

=== Languages ===
The primary tongue of the Ganeta-Meru is [[Ri-She]], a language that bears some similarity to the Fanakaran dialects of the Wounds but has diverged significantly over time. In order to facilitate trade they are also frequently proficient in [[Sea-Speak]] and the various languages of the Stormlands as well.

=== Architecture and urbanization ===
Ganeta-Meru architecture uses primarily stone and thatch. They prefer to dry-fit the stones in their walls as much as possible, shaping them to interlock tightly without the need for mortar. Within Ganeta-Meru villages and cities, buildings are always constructed for specific purposes, as not only are certain rituals required when they are erected but also their physical shapes must always match their aims, and not always in intuitive ways. A house where a family with elders dwells, for example, must always have six sides, a conical roof, and two hearths, while those where two newlyweds dwell is required to have four walls, a slanted roof, and a single hearth. As a result it is not possible for new inhabitants to simply move into an existing house without it being first torn down to the ground and rebuilt.

Ganeta-Meru settlements dot the coast of the Island Where The Mountains Transfix The Sky. Their largest, and the only cities, are in the south of the island, but other prominent communities can be found around the northern and eastern coasts as well. There are no permanent Ganeta-Meru settlements outside the island, but in places where the frequently trade they often congregate in transient neighborhoods.

=== Seafaring ===
The Ganeta-Meru travel across the Na-Gaesa Ocean on sail-driven outrigger canoes, similar to those used by other Fanakaran peoples. Their vessels tend to be on the larger side than is typical in the Wounds, however, often both longer and wider so as to increase their cargo capacity. Another difference from traditional Fanakaran ships are in the shape of the sails, which are battened and rectangular rather than triangular.

Weapons are never permitted on Ganeta-Meru ships, even those of their war-fleet, lest the skies see them and call down storms in a rage. Instead they are carried strapped underneath the hulls where they are visible only to the more placid, and forgiving, seas.

=== Food and cuisine ===
Despite their proximity to the sea, the ingredients used in Ganeta-Meru cuisine are largely terrestrial. Gourds and yams serve as staples, supplemented by hunted game, fruits, and other farmed crops. Oysters, mussels, and sea turtles account for most of the seafood consumed - fish are considered suitable only to be eaten while on the move over the ocean. Clay and stone ovens are used in the preparation of most food, though most meals prepared for ritual or celebratory purposes use earthen pit ovens instead.

Despite their close ties to various peoples across the sea, Ganeta-Meru cuisine is remarkably conservative, rarely adopting new techniques or ingredients unless forced to due to a lack of availability of those which with they are more familiar.

=== Names ===
As with the Fanakara more broadly, Ganeta-Meru names most commonly take the form of a family name first, then a given name, then any honorifics the individual in question may have earned. This is transcribed in the form Family-Given-Honorifics, though written names are uncommon.

== Government ==
Very unified by Fanakaran standards, the Ganeta-Meru are ruled by an elective monarchy based in the capital of [[Kita Bay (city)|Kita Bay]]. Upon the death or abdication of the previous king or queen, delegates from each major settlement on the Island Where The Mountains Transfix The Sky convene a summit to deliberate for two months, after which they choose a new candidate for the Obsidian Throne. Each community is then given the opportunity to vote to approve or reject this candidate. If the majority accept, then the new monarch ascends to the throne. Otherwise, the summit reconvenes and a new candidate is chosen. This repeats until a monarch is ratified, though in practice it is exceptionally rare for any candidate to be rejected.

Traditionally Ganeta-Meru monarchs rule for 27 years, enough time to celebrate three nine-year coronations, after which they abdicate.

While formally the monarch enjoys absolute authority, in reality their role is primarily as a spiritual mediator and, in times of war, the commander of the Ganeta-Meru war-navy. Most day to day decisions and governance is instead undertaken by the local prominent families of each community.

{{CitiesGanetaMeru}}

[[Category:Nations]]
[[Category:Ganeta-Meru]]
[[Category:Fanakara]]